Dr. Dean Ornish's Tips for Healthy Holiday Indulging

Health expert Dr. Dean Ornish has five tips for navigating holiday parties.
By: Victoria Phillips

Healthy eating over the holidays can be tough. Finger food and cocktails are overly abundant at every holiday party, and the cold weather certainly doesn’t help the comfort food cravings. But instead of trying to steer clear of all fatty foods, indulge a little. You read that right, indulging is 100 percent okay — it is the holidays after all. Indulging smartly, however, is the key.

Health expert Dr. Dean Ornish has five tips for navigating holiday parties:

  • Eat something beforehand. If you don’t eat all day, you may arrive at holiday meals and parties ravenous and lose control.
  • Eat the healthier foods first – they will fill you up somewhat, so you’ll be less likely to overeat the more indulgent foods.
  • Choose foods that leave evidence – e.g., keep the shrimp tails and chicken wing bones on your plate after you’ve eaten them. Studies show that if you have cues to see how much you’ve eaten, you’ll eat less.
  • Eat more slowly. The faster we eat, the more we eat. Sip water between bites. Holiday meals last longer than typical meals. If you wolf down your food, your plate may be clean while others are still eating, which will lead to seconds.
  • Close your eyes and savor the food periodically during the meal. You’ll consume fewer calories and experience more pleasure.

For more healthy eating tips from Dr. Ornish, visit his website or follow him on Twitter.

Next Up

What Does Dr Pepper Strawberries & Cream Taste Like?

The new beverage is a permanent addition to the Dr Pepper lineup — and we got an advance taste.

Is Dr Pepper’s Dark Berry Back? It’s Complicated

Only a select group of people will be getting the limited-edition drink, for now, we think?

Is Pasta Healthy?

Why you can (and should!) embrace pasta as part of a healthful diet, according to a dietitian.

Is Honey Healthy?

Find out how to make this natural sweetener part of a healthy diet.

Is Falafel Healthy?

This classic dish is loaded with fiber- and protein-packed chickpeas, but is it good for you?

Is Subway Healthy?

Choices are key at this sandwich chain.

Is Cereal Healthy?

Research shows people who eat cereal for breakfast may eat more underconsumed nutrients than those who eat other breakfast foods.

Is Air Frying Healthy?

The biggest myth about air fryer chicken nuggets, busted.

Is Activated Charcoal Healthy?

Sorry, but that charcoal-spiked cocktail, smoothie and juice won't detox your body.

Is Oat Milk Healthy?

The popular non-dairy milk is now found in coffee creamer, ice cream, yogurt and more.